gram calorie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “gram calorie” mean?
The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius at a pressure of one atmosphere.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius at a pressure of one atmosphere.
A small unit of energy (approximately 4.184 joules) used historically in chemistry and physics, now largely superseded by the joule in the International System of Units (SI). Also called a 'small calorie' to distinguish it from the kilocalorie (food calorie).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Both British and American scientific communities recognize the term identically and are transitioning away from it in favor of the joule.
Connotations
Technical and somewhat archaic in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low and declining in both British and American scientific English.
Grammar
How to Use “gram calorie” in a Sentence
The [SUBSTANCE] requires [NUMBER] gram calories to heat by [NUMBER] degrees.A gram calorie is equivalent to [NUMBER] joules.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gram calorie” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gram-calorie unit is obsolete.
- He quoted a gram-calorie value.
American English
- The gram-calorie measurement was standard in early experiments.
- A gram-calorie equivalent was calculated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical contexts or in foundational physics/chemistry texts explaining the evolution of energy units.
Everyday
Never used; the word 'calorie' in everyday speech refers to the kilocalorie.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in calorimetry, thermodynamics, and physical chemistry papers, though increasingly replaced by joules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gram calorie”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gram calorie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gram calorie”
- Using 'gram calorie' to refer to food energy (this is a kilocalorie).
- Confusing the abbreviation 'cal' (gram calorie) with 'Cal' (kilocalorie).
- Assuming it is a common unit in modern scientific reporting.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A food calorie (Calorie with a capital C) is actually a kilocalorie, which is equal to 1000 gram calories.
No, it is not part of the International System of Units (SI). The joule is the SI unit for energy and work.
You might see it in a historical reference, when quoting old data, or in an educational context explaining the origin of the more common term 'calorie'.
Multiply the number of gram calories by 4.184 (approximately) to get the equivalent energy in joules. Precisely, 1 cal_th (thermochemical calorie) = 4.184 J.
The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius at a pressure of one atmosphere.
Gram calorie is usually technical/scientific in register.
Gram calorie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡræm ˌkæləri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræm ˌkæləri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a single grain of rice (a gram) needing a tiny bit of heat (a calorie) to get just one degree warmer.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY IS A FUEL FOR HEATING; A UNIT IS A CONTAINER FOR ENERGY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the term 'gram calorie' today?